10.19.09

Given his incredibly costly 9th inning error during Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodger, now might seem a curious time to tout free agent OF Matt Holliday as “a complete player”. But agent Scott Boras (above) is not the type to let one isolated incident stand in the way of one of the off-season’s few back-up-the-truck moments, as the LA Times’ Bill Shaikin outlines.

Scott Boras threw out the ceremonial first pitch in free agency today, comparing Matt Holliday to Mark Teixeira in the impact the agent believes each player can have on a club.

“These guys are blue-collar superstars,” Boras said. “They don’t hit 50 home runs, but they’re complete players. They can give you something without swinging a bat.”

“There are differences between hitters and complete players,” Boras said. “Matt Holliday is a complete player.

“There is, frankly, no one like him in the market.”

Holliday spent last winter in Orange County and has expressed interest in the Angels, who could use a big bat to replace Vladimir Guerrero. However, as last winter’s Teixeira talks showed, Boras’ marathon negotiating style clashes with owner Arte Moreno’s approach of making a first and best offer and moving on if that offer is not quickly accepted.

The Yankees could use Holliday as an upgrade to Johnny Damon, who also is eligible for free agency. The New York Mets could use Holliday as an upgrade over any of the nine players they used in left field this season.

While Holliday would certainly represent an upgrade in left for the Amazins, let me be the first to suggest Omar Minaya signing him to a $180 million contract would create an instant 24-and-one scenario in the Mets clubhouse, though not the sort Steve Phillips warned of with A-Rod so many years ago. Holliday would be the only member of the 25 man roster the Wilpons would attempt to pay in Mets Money, redeemable only at Citi Field concession stands.